Ohio Gives $8M to 190 Volunteer Fire Departments

When a fire breaks out in rural Ohio, chances are the firefighters rushing to help are volunteers working with shoestring budgets and aging equipment.

That reality just changed for 190 fire departments across 49 Ohio counties. The state announced nearly $8 million in grants specifically designed to support small volunteer fire departments serving communities of 70,000 people or fewer.

"These small, volunteer fire departments, many of which serve rural areas of the state, are the backbone of Ohio's fire service," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. The funding will help departments buy essential equipment, upgrade aging facilities, and provide better training access.

The timing couldn't be more critical. About 70% of Ohio's nearly 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteers, but those numbers are dropping fast. Between 2018 and 2021, volunteer firefighter ranks fell by 6.5% while emergency calls jumped 9%.

The new Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant came from House Bill 96, passed during the 136th General Assembly. It's nonrenewable but represents a crucial lifeline for departments that often operate on tiny budgets while protecting thousands of residents.

The Ripple Effect

This grant is just one piece of Ohio's strategy to support volunteer firefighters during a nationwide recruitment crisis. The state already made all training at the Ohio Fire Academy free for volunteers and launched a recruitment portal connecting interested Ohioans directly with departments near them.

Statewide media campaigns have already boosted volunteer inquiries. Combined with other grant programs like the MARCS Grant and Equipment Grant, Ohio is investing millions annually to ensure communities have the emergency response they deserve.

For the 190 departments receiving funding, the impact will be immediate and tangible. New equipment means safer firefighters and better-protected communities. Upgraded facilities mean volunteers have proper spaces to train and prepare. Enhanced training access means more skilled responders when seconds count.

These volunteers don't do this work for money or recognition, but this investment shows Ohio recognizes their critical service anyway.